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If your children are going to be near water this Summer, please read this. #KeepWatch

Dear complacent parents (let’s be honest, that’s all of us sometimes) Royal Life Saving Society – Australia have a pretty simple request, and honestly, I didn’t think it was one they would have to make because it’s so bloody obvious.

Don’t prop your pool gate open this Summer

The sad truth is, faulty or propped open gates are the primary risk factors in home pool drowning deaths of young children. It’s PREVENTABLE. 100% preventable.

“Active supervision is the best protection against child drowning, however, kids can be quick andhard to keep up with so it’s vital to fence pools and spas to prevent children from gaining access.Regularly check that your fence and gate are in working order, and never prop the gate open,” says Justin Scarr, CEO at Royal Life Saving Society – Australia

So we all know that drowning happens, and we all know that we are not immune to this sort of tragedy. But let’s just take a moment to refresh ourselves on how we can best protect our kids from accidental drowning.

Actively supervise children around water

Restrict Access

Teach water awareness

Learn how to resuscitate

Did you get that? If you have kids in your life you need to do these things.

I’m going to get heavy for a second, even if you think you don’t need any reminders, please read the below facts. Because we all need reminders.

Children 0-4 Years Drowning Key Facts

965 children aged 0 – 4 years drowned in Australia between 1 July 1993 and 30 June 2018.

Approximately 7,361 children had a non-fatal drowning over the past 25 years resulting in hospitalization.

Swimming pools are the leading location for drowning deaths, accounting for 52% of all drowning deaths between 1 July 2002 – 30 June 18.

Falls into water accounted for 77% of all drowning deaths between 1 July 2002 – 30 June 18.

Males accounted for 61% of all drowning deaths between 1 July 2002 – 30 June 18.

965 children aged 0 – 4 years drowned in Australia between 1 July 1993 and 30 June 2018.

That 965 too many. It’s not ok. #keepwatch and teach your parents, your kids, your friends to let the pool gate do its job and #keepwatch

“Drowning is often quick and silent. Distractions like browsing social media on your phone, attending to another child, or ducking inside to grab something can have tragic consequences if a toddler is left unattended by water. It’s important for parents and carers to take extra safety precautions. Always Keep Watch of children around water” said Mr Scarr.

Visit Keepwatch.com.au and join the conversation online via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, using the hashtag #KeepWatch.